Snow Bike Festival co-founder, Herman Coertze is "thrilled with the confidence the UCI has shown in the Snow Bike Festival by accrediting it as 'Stage Race Class 1'. We have created a unique event that combines exciting competition with adventure."

The news of the upgrade of the UCI classification as "Stage Race Class 1" has also triggered great joy in the destination of Gstaad. Those responsible for the vacation region see this award as a huge boost for the established top event. The more attractive the classification, the more attractive the race is for professionals and therefore also for sponsors, spectators and the media. This image gain generates additional overnight stays and thus has a direct effect on value creation in the region. Patrick Bauer, Product Manager 'Bike', is proud "that we have a multi-year partnership with the motivated Snow Bike Festival team. We are looking forward to the new edition from January 18 to 21, 2018."

Last year's winner Katrin Leumann says: "The Snow Bike Festival is an incredible experience for every athlete and it broadens your horizons. Not only do you push yourself to your physical limits, but you also have to contend with external conditions such as the cold and difficult terrain. Of course, you are rewarded by the breathtaking scenery and the perfectly organized event. It's simply something special that only happens once!"

The stage race is held under the mountain bike rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The event is open to all cycling enthusiasts (professionals & amateurs), as they can decide for themselves what type of bike they want to participate with (mountain bike, plus or fat bike). Registrations for the Snow Bike Festival 2018 are now open. The participation fee is 590.00 Swiss francs and is an early bird price.
www.snowbikefestival.com/anmeldung

The four-day stage race includes a prologue on Thursday, January 18 and three stages, from Friday to Sunday. The prologue - a time trial - takes place on a short route. The three stages vary in length from 25 to 35 kilometers and difficulty of around 500 to 1000 meters in altitude. The route offers unique views of the valleys and world-famous mountains around Gstaad. The hard work during the climbs is rewarded with unique descents on ski slopes that are normally reserved for skiers only.

The "Race Pass Package" includes rider accreditation, participation in the stage race, lunch and dinner during the event, catering on the routes, rider guide, access to rider zones, an official Snow Bike Festival finisher medal and a welcome pack with sponsored products. This booking package is available for CHF 590.00 as an early bird price.